Hospitality Diploma Introduced

6,500 students will study for a new Diploma in Hospitality from next September in a move which its hoped will bring new talent into the sector

A NEW Diploma in Hospitality will be taught in 85 schools and colleges from next September.

The qualification, which is one of 17 new courses available to students, is expected to be taught to around 6,500 people in its first year.

The course has been developed as an alternative to academics for young people, and is expected to get more of the next generation interested in hospitality.

The opportunity to work with employers and get active involvement in the industry at a young age are new measures aimed at engaging long term interest and passion from the students.

Hospitality companies will be able to visit schools, give students demonstrations on the skills they need, talk to them about career opportunities, and have them visit their place of work to learn more about the industry first hand.

Mike Palmer, operations director of Outback Steakhouse and Chair of the Diploma Steering Group, sees the course as an ideal opportunity for the sector to attract young talent.

He said: “It is fantastic news that such a large number of learning providers are ready to deliver the Diploma in Hospitality, with the potential of developing thousands of skilled employees for our sector.

“By getting involved, they could find themselves inheriting really useful young people, switched on to the needs of the industry and ready to help make a difference to their business from day one of their employment.”